from an unused root meaning to testify; a witness; record.
Transliteration:sâhêd
Pronunciation:saw-hade'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7717}}` (sâhêd) derives from an unused root signifying "to testify." As a noun, its primary meaning is "a witness," referring to one who has observed an event or fact and can attest to its veracity. By extension, it can also denote the "testimony" or "record" itself, serving as a tangible manifestation of the witness's attestation. This semantic range highlights the active role of observation and the subsequent declaration of truth, whether by a person, an object, or ultimately, by God. Unlike broader terms for evidence, `{{H7717}}` emphasizes the personal or embodied nature of the attestation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7717}}` appears in a limited number of significant biblical contexts, primarily in Genesis and Job.
In the narrative of Jacob and Laban's covenant, `{{H7717}}` is central to the naming of the heap of stones. In [[Genesis 31:47]], Laban calls it "Jegar-sahadutha" (an Aramaic phrase meaning "heap of witness"), while Jacob names it "Galeed" (its Hebrew equivalent). This dual naming underscores the purpose of the heap: to serve as a perpetual "witness" to the covenant established between them. [[Genesis 31:48]] explicitly states, "This heap is a witness between you and me today." Furthermore, in [[Genesis 31:50]], Laban invokes God as the ultimate witness to their agreement, particularly concerning Jacob's treatment of Laban's daughters: "If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, though no one is with us, look, God is witness between you and me." Here, `{{H7717}}` refers to a physical marker of a covenant and, more profoundly, to God's omnipresent attestation.
In [[Job 16:19]], Job, in the depths of his suffering and despair, makes a profound declaration of faith: "Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high." Here, `{{H7717}}` refers to a divine witness, a heavenly advocate who Job believes sees his integrity and will ultimately testify on his behalf against his false accusers. This usage elevates the concept of a witness beyond human or physical realms to the divine, providing Job with a source of hope and vindication.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "witness" is foundational in biblical thought, and `{{H7717}}` interacts with several related terms and ideas. The more common Hebrew word for "witness" is `{{H5707}}` ('ed), which appears frequently in legal, covenantal, and prophetic contexts. While both `{{H7717}}` and `{{H5707}}` denote a witness, `{{H7717}}` appears to carry a particular emphasis on a formal, solemn, or even divine attestation, especially in covenant ratification. The Aramaic cognate sahad (Strong's Aramaic {{A7717}}), used by Laban in [[Genesis 31:47]], highlights the close linguistic and conceptual ties between Hebrew and Aramaic in this semantic domain.
The notion of "testimony" ('edut) is also closely related, often referring to the laws or decrees of God that bear witness to His character and will. The legal framework of ancient Israel heavily relied on the testimony of witnesses for justice (e.g., Deuteronomy 19:15). Beyond human testimony, the Bible frequently presents God Himself as the ultimate witness, a concept powerfully expressed in Job 16:19. This extends to the idea of covenant, where witnesses—whether human, physical, or divine—are crucial for establishing and validating agreements.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7717}}` is profound, particularly in its application to God. The declaration in [[Job 16:19]] that Job's "witness is in heaven" reveals a deep theological truth: God is not merely a distant observer but an active, personal witness to human suffering, injustice, and integrity. This divine witness offers immense comfort to the afflicted, assuring them that their true state is known and that ultimate vindication will come from a just God. It underscores God's omniscience and His commitment to truth and righteousness.
Furthermore, in the context of the Jacob and Laban covenant, `{{H7717}}` highlights the role of witnesses in upholding sacred agreements. The heap of stones serves as a perpetual reminder, a silent `{{H7717}}`, of the promises made and the consequences of their violation. More importantly, Laban's invocation of God as witness in [[Genesis 31:50]] elevates the covenant to a divine sphere, implying that breaking the agreement would be an offense against God Himself. This demonstrates God's active involvement in human covenants, acting as the ultimate guarantor and overseer of integrity. Thus, `{{H7717}}` points to God's character as truth-teller, just judge, and covenant-keeper.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7717}}` (sâhêd) primarily denotes "a witness" or "testimony/record," stemming from an unused root meaning "to testify." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Hebrew Bible highlight its significance in two key areas: as a physical marker of a solemn covenant between humans, as seen in the heap of stones between Jacob and Laban in Genesis 31, and more profoundly, as a descriptor of God Himself as the ultimate divine witness to human integrity and suffering, as declared by Job in Job 16:19. While distinct from the more common `{{H5707}}` ('ed), `{{H7717}}` carries a particular weight, emphasizing a formal or divinely sanctioned attestation. Theologically, `{{H7717}}` underscores God's active presence, omniscience, and commitment to justice and truth, serving as a source of comfort for the righteous and a guarantor of covenantal fidelity.
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